A native titoki tree, costing $4500 to purchase and install, has been subject to vandalism at the Pāpāmoa Stormwater Reserve.

Tauranga City Council parks and recreation manager Warren Aitken says vandalism of this kind is 'disappointing and hard to fathom.”

'Unfortunately, willful damage to public tree assets is far too common. We are hopeful that the tree will recover by treating the wounds through wrapping them in sphagnum moss and layers of glad wrap and hessian,” says Warren.

'We will continue to monitor the health of this and other trees.”

Warren says the native titoki tree was planted to provide shade near the seat overlooking the water, which 'will further enhance the area for the community and natural inhabitants.”

'The cost to purchase and install a tree of this grade is around $4500. This particular tree was a 1000 litre, high quality, large grade specimen.

'A tree like the one planted takes around 10 years in a nursery to grow to this size.”

According to Warren, the process behind gathering and installing trees is well thought out.

'Not only do trees have a positive effect on the general environment, but in this particular area they are planted to achieve various outcomes such as a home for wildlife, provide shade, add value to surrounding properties and have a positive effect on wellbeing.

'This tree was planted in late June and the damage was first noticed by contractors conducting maintenance in the area in early July.

'Once the damage was identified, contractors wrapped the wounds in sphagnum moss and layers of glad wrap and hessian. Since then, further damage has occurred, and a similar treatment is being applied. Plans for fencing around this tree are being looked into and future plantings will be staked to reduce the potential for wildlife to remove new plants.

'The current planting plan for the area includes additional planting in areas where plants have either been damaged or lost since initial planting in 2020.

'This plan has been heavily influenced by the community feedback we have received with large areas of planting removed to enable access to water, while still allowing for some ecological and biodiversity improvements to remain.

'Like public toilets and park benches, trees are a community asset. Potential damage or vandalism and it's a sub sequential cost to the ratepayer is always a concern. In this case, it's also a loss to the environment.”

If wilful damage to public property is sighted or taking place, it should be reported to police. If the damage is discovered after the fact, it can be reported to the Tauranga City Council contact centre on 07 577 7000.